Being optimistic really does make you live longer

Looking on the bright side of things may help you live for longer, a new study has revealed. Women who have a more optimistic outlook are less likely to suffer from major causes of death, including cancer, heart disease, stroke and infection.

The Harvard study analysed dates from 70,000 women, after biannually tracking their health via surveys for 40 years. Researchers looked at participants' optimism, as well as other facts affecting mortality, including diet and physical activity levels.

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The women who were most optimistic were shown to have a 30% lower risk of dying from the diseases compared to those who were more negative. Participants with the sunniest outlooks were 16% less likely to die from cancer, 38% less at risk of dying from heart disease and 39% less likely to succumb to a fatal stroke.

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